General English - Pre-Intermediate (CRICOS course code 086132K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 12 weeks. This course is designed for international students who wish to improve their English language skills from a pre-intermediate level. As an ELICOS program (Field of Education 091501), it focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities for everyday communication. Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02934D) is a private provider with campuses in Adelaide and Melbourne, offering a supportive learning environment. The CRICOS register ensures that this course meets Australian standards for international student programs. Whether you aim to progress to academic English, vocational training, or simply enhance your language proficiency, this course provides a solid foundation. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
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General English - Pre-Intermediate is a Non AQF Award course, meaning it does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification but provides essential language skills for daily life and further study. The course is registered under CRICOS course code 086132K and is offered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS provider code 02934D). This private institution has been delivering English language programs since its registration. The course duration is 12 weeks, as listed on the CRICOS register. Students will study full-time, attending classes in English at the pre-intermediate level. The field of education is 091501 - ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which is part of the broader Society and Culture field. HeadStart Academy verifies all provider and course data against the official CRICOS register, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. International students can enrol with confidence knowing that the ESOS Act protections apply to this course.
As an ELICOS course at the pre-intermediate level, the curriculum is designed to build foundational English skills. Students typically study grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational English. Listening and speaking activities focus on everyday situations such as ordering food, asking for directions, and social interactions. Reading and writing tasks include composing short paragraphs, understanding simple texts, and completing forms. The course aims to prepare students for intermediate-level study or for everyday communication in English-speaking environments. While the specific syllabus is set by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd, graduates of this level generally gain confidence in using English in predictable contexts. This course does not lead to a formal qualification but can serve as a pathway to further ELICOS levels or other studies. HeadStart Academy recommends checking with the provider for detailed learning outcomes.
The course duration is 12 weeks, as specified on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation study component. The course is a single qualification, meaning students focus solely on General English. Classes are conducted on-campus at the provider's delivery locations. The language of instruction is English, and students must be able to comprehend and participate in English at the pre-intermediate level. The 12-week structure is typical for ELICOS programs, allowing for intensive language development. Students should expect approximately 20 hours of class time per week, plus self-study. The CRICOS registration ensures the course meets government requirements for international student programs. For more details on study load and timetables, contact Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd.
The indicative tuition fee for General English - Pre-Intermediate is A$4,290, with no non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, giving an estimated total of A$4,290. These fees are sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs around A$500–$700 per year. Living costs vary by city: in Adelaide, weekly rent for a share house is approximately A$150–$250, while in Melbourne it is higher at A$200–$350. Groceries and transport add another A$100–$200 per week. Always confirm current fees directly with Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd via their website (www.scei.com.au) before applying. HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider. For pre-intermediate level, students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–7.0 overall, or equivalent, though some providers accept lower scores. Prior qualifications expected include completion of secondary education. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the entry requirements – refer to Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd for details. As this is an ELICOS course, some providers may offer internal placement tests to determine the appropriate level. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for precise entry criteria. All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian standards for international student admissions.
This course has no mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake work as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are contingent upon maintaining enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Students should not rely on work to cover tuition or living costs. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, including the provision of accurate information about work components. For more details on work conditions, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide visa advice.
General English - Pre-Intermediate is delivered at four campuses of Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd: 14-16 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA; 155-161 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; 41 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; and 52-56 Chetwynd St, West Melbourne, VIC. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, with a vibrant international student community and over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne, including North Melbourne and West Melbourne, is a major education hub with more than 200 providers. Both cities offer excellent public transport, with Adelaide's tram and bus network and Melbourne's train and tram system providing easy access to campuses. Typical living costs in Adelaide are lower than in Melbourne, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students. Each campus location provides a supportive environment for language learning. Check the provider's website for specific campus facilities and services.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency as specified by the Department of Home Affairs. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions may include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course attendance, and not engaging in work that disrupts study. OSHC is mandatory and must be arranged before visa grant. The ESOS Act provides additional protections, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice.
Choosing between Adelaide and Melbourne for your General English course depends on personal preferences. Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$180 and a relaxed lifestyle. The city has a smaller but close-knit international student community, with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne is larger, with a multicultural environment, more entertainment options, and higher living costs (weekly rent around A$250-$350). Public transport is extensive in both cities, but Melbourne's network is more comprehensive. Both locations have access to Southern Cross Education Institute campuses. Consider your budget, climate preference (Adelaide is warmer and drier), and the type of city experience you want. HeadStart Academy helps you compare courses across Australia to find the best fit.
Ready to improve your English? Start your application for General English - Pre-Intermediate at Southern Cross Education Institute. Check your eligibility and apply directly through the provider's website.
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General English - Pre-Intermediate is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.